Saving energy and money go hand-in-hand. We can all contribute to reducing Austin’s energy demand by making simple lifestyle changes and energy-efficient home improvements. When demand decreases, we all save. Austin Energy is committed to helping our customers achieve the greatest savings possible.

The best time to invest in energy efficiency is during new construction. Austin Energy offers rebates to install a variety of energy-efficient technologies for new construction and major remodel projects.

Building owners, design professionals, contractors, or other agents are eligible to apply for Austin Energy new construction rebates on behalf of their customers. These projects can be building shells, complete build-outs, finish-outs, additions, and major building remodeling projects. This rebate may help reduce the cost of installing energy-efficient technologies.

An Austin Energy representative will help you with the application process, determine eligibility, and make recommendations. Technologies that qualify for this rebate include:

PACE Financing Available

Austin Energy provides various opportunities for our customers to purchase energy efficient technologies. Many of these reduce energy consumption, enhance comfort and indoor air quality for your customers. PACE is an effective financing approach. Travis and Williamson County PACE programs enable owners of non-profit, commercial, and industrial properties to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for water and energy efficiency improvements and solar generation retrofits.

Private sector lenders finance qualified improvements and property owners voluntarily agree to contractual assessments imposed on the property. PACE improvements generate positive cash flow with no out-of-pocket cost to the property owner. If the property is sold before the full amount is repaid, the repayment obligation automatically transfers to the next owner. PACE assessments complement Austin Energy incentive programs.

General Requirements

If your business is located within the Austin city limits, the City of Austin Development Services Department can help you identify what you need. You can apply for your Austin Energy rebate while your project is under review at the "One Stop Shop." Early involvement in the planning process gives Austin Energy the opportunity to provide input. Call the One Stop Shop at 512-974-6370 if you have any questions about your project review.

If your business is located in another jurisdiction, please contact your local permitting authority.

Installations must exceed currently adopted City of Austin Energy Code.

All work must meet manufacturers’ standards and local, state, and national codes.

Installed equipment must be new and have at least a one-year warranty.

You must keep efficiency improvements in place for at least five years.

You agree to let Austin Energy schedule initial and final site visits.

Rebates cannot exceed 50% of the total job costs, including materials, installation, and tax. You must confirm the total project cost.

Backup or redundant systems are not eligible for rebates.

Austin Energy may request invoices and equipment specifications.

You assign all rights to environmental attributes and credits resulting from energy savings to Austin Energy. This includes renewable energy and carbon offset credits.

Apply for a Rebate Online

You can apply for your rebate online. To make applying easier, have all required information on hand before you start.

Comply with ECAD to Qualify for Rebate

If your building is over 10,000 sq ft, you must be in compliance with the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance. ECAD promotes energy efficiency by identifying potential energy savings for your business. You can now choose one of two reporting options that best serve your business.

Contact Austin Energy for More Information

Apply for Your Rebate Online

All rebate applications are online. You must submit your rebate application prior to installation (Austin Energy must approve any exceptions). You will receive your rebate within four to six weeks after we give final approval for your rebate application. We send your rebate check to the business listed on the Payee section of your application unless you specify otherwise.

The City Council approves projects where rebates could exceed the City Manager's administrative spending authority under the City Charter, which is $58,000 for fiscal year 2017. Please allow time for this approval.

Tips for Applying Online

Use a modern browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 9 or higher.

You need to complete your online Commercial Rebate application in a single session.

To make applying easier, have all available information on hand before beginning the application.

If your application requires supporting documentation, such as invoices or sales receipts, you will need to scan or photograph these documents and upload into the application system. The system will accept any of the following file formats:

Adobe Acrobat PDF (.pdf)

Microsoft Word Document (.doc or .docx)

JPEG (.jpg)

ZIP (.zip)

Check your rebate status using the confirmation (enrollment) number you receive after the application submission. You will also need your City of Austin utility account number, if applicable.

Additional Documents

Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Offerings, program guidelines, and rebate levels are subject to change without notice. Rebate funds are encumbered (committed to be paid) during the fiscal year in which they are to be dispersed.

The Austin City Council must approve rebates of more than $61,000. The maximum combined rebate is $300,000 per customer site per fiscal year (October through September).